More Bits of Spiritual Advice That May Seem Impossible to Apply In Our Workplace

Let's continue with our consideration of bits of spiritual advice that may seem impossible - at first blush at least - in our workplace. Last time we connected the items presented under the subject "Say Nothing" to the practice of heroic virtue. As we read through today's bits of advice, that connection may not seem so far-fetched.

If we take that connection seriously, perhaps it will help us to consider these items not so impossible. Not that it would make things easy in any way. We're being asked, or urged, to step up here, to not react as might "feel" natural, as others might react. 

And, let's add, it's likely not sinful if we were to react as others might here. It's, again, simply natural for us to react, at least to feel the urge to react, the opposite of what we're advised here. Of course, it could be sinful. For example, #2: If we hear of faults of others, and indulge in conversation about this, or, as the item puts it, "let the poison soak into" our minds, it could lead us to judge others unfairly, perhaps even cause others to so judge.

But here, the items listed will mostly present themselves as opportunities to step up and and put into practice the tenets of our faith in a concrete way.

Oh, and the fact that we're considering these in the context of the workplace, may be an even more substantial matter. After all, item 4 - praise. We can easily - and legitimately - consider praise a kind of merit badge we might leverage to advance our career, or try to apply it to being considered for a raise of a promotion. Again, such a response really can't be considered sinful in any way, especially if we're working hard to support a family. But we can still "internally" laugh it off. i.e., not take it too seriously. Perhaps simply recalling that it's likely God's Hand that caused whatever matter elicited that praise. Put another way, all the glory to Him!

So here are today's bits of spiritual advice from Fr. Bruno Hagspiel. Let's read them carefully, think about how we might have applied each to concrete circumstances in the work place, and prepare ourselves to apply them as we attend to our work today. 

Think Nothing

1. No matter how suspicious the circumstances appear, if it is not your business, avert your mind and refrain from passing judgment even mentally. 

2. If you hear the faults of others discussed, don’t let the poison soak into your mind. It may be all pure gossip without foundation. For your part think nothing. 

3. When you have done a good action, do not let your mind rest on it. Think nothing of it. 

4. When others praise you, laugh it off. Think nothing of the praise. 

5. When others betray your confidence and perhaps get you into trouble – think nothing.  

6. When so-called friends on whom you have lavished kindness desert you – think nothing. 

7. When you are despised, cast aside as worthless, ignored, shelved after the devoted labor of a lifetime, remember your Lord and Master was sold for thirty pieces of silver…Think of that and of naught else. Who are you that you should be prized more?

(Fr. Bruno Hagspiel, S.V.D.)